Reasons not to build on allocation 13 Shirley South
There is less than one kilometre of open green fields between Shirley and Dickens Heath at this moment, building on this land will leave a very narrow corridor/AIRFIELD of green belt land, with no public footpaths.
There is a clear boundary on the northern edge, a very well used public footpath, resurfaced by Solihull council after a local petition, and public amenity land.
As the only green space with public access in the south of Shirley, This land is very widely used by the local residents and is extremely important for the health and welfare of the local residents of all ages. I walk over these fields every morning on well-worn footpaths, along with many other local residents making it a very enjoyable social activity.
Concentrating 41% of housing in one area will greatly affect the local infrastructure, already overcapacity since the building of Dickens Heath. I understand the need new housing but, the allocation of sites needs to be much more evenly spread and be built in small pockets throughout the borough so as to not adversely impact on any one community. Why do Solihull Council want to build such a large concentration of houses in such a small area? It in no way benefits the local residents. I can only think of one beneficiary THE BUILDERS, please let me know if I am wrong. I though the Council were elected by the local residents for the local residents.
I do question decisions made by the council, why an island was removed from Blossomfield Road and replaced traffic lights is beyond belief, it will have cost a fortune, created chaos while the work was done, with no benefit.
I fully back the plan for a new dementia home on Tanworth Lane, just surprised it is not included in the Draft Local Plan.
There so little information given about possible access points to "Allocation 13" for this almost land locked site, could the council please let me know? If the information was available, I would be able to comment.
Future flood risk is of great concern as some of these fields are very water logged including 2 pools and a stream that feeds into the river Blyth. How will this affect ground water levels to existing homes in the area, I live off Neville Road that in recent years, has had installed a massive pumping station for storm water.
The wildlife on this site is extensive and diverse, taking so much habitat away in one go will decimate the eco system. Just to name a few, Woodpeckers, Bats Newts, Owls, Kingfishers and soon the Cuckoo will return.
I would like the council to demonstrate they have fully examined all other reasonable options for meeting their identified housing requirements before releasing Green Belt land using the ambiguous "exceptional circumstances" How many brownfield sites does Solihull council own? Powergen in Shirley has been empty for over 20 years.
Why are we taking on some of Birmingham's housing allocation, when they have extensive brownfield sites, all over the city? I am assuming this comes back to THE BUILDERS preferring greenfield sites. Why are the Builders put before the residents.
Alternatives
Move Lighthall school on to allocation 12, giving much better access. Leaving a brownfield site perfect for building houses.
The Draft Plan mentions getting ready for HS2. From the land availably map plots 23,128 and 195 are a much more logical choice as they are on the right side of Solihull to benefit from HS2.
The NEC has miles of car parks, if they were made into multi-storey car parks, this would free large amounts of brownfield sites for redevelopment, close to where we believe HS2 will have a station.